U.S. patent application number 12/345238 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-01 for flexible guide for insertion of a vertebral stabilization system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Zimmer Spine, Inc.. Invention is credited to Hugh D. Hestad, Zachary M. Hoffman.
Application Number | 20100168803 12/345238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42013722 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100168803 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hestad; Hugh D. ; et
al. |
July 1, 2010 |
Flexible Guide for Insertion of a Vertebral Stabilization
System
Abstract
An installation system for installing a vertebral stabilization
system. The system includes an implant guide and an insert. The
implant guide includes a handle and a shaft extending from the
handle. The distal end of the shaft is configured for engagement
with a head portion of a vertebral anchor. The shaft has
flexibility characteristics allowing the shaft to flexibly bend
between a first configuration and a second configuration. The
insert is slidably disposed along the shaft of the implant guide.
The insert inhibits the shaft from bending from the second
configuration to the first configuration.
Inventors: |
Hestad; Hugh D.; (Edina,
MN) ; Hoffman; Zachary M.; (Bloomington, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROMPTON, SEAGER & TUFTE, LLC
1221 NICOLLET AVENUE, SUITE 800
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55403-2420
US
|
Assignee: |
Zimmer Spine, Inc.
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
42013722 |
Appl. No.: |
12/345238 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/86A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/7085 20130101;
A61B 2090/034 20160201; A61B 17/708 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/86.A |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/00 20060101
A61F005/00 |
Claims
1. A system for implantation of a spinal stabilization system
comprising: an implant guide including a handle and a shaft
extending from the handle, a distal end of the shaft configured for
engagement with a head portion of a vertebral anchor, the shaft
having flexibility characteristics allowing the shaft to flexibly
bend between a first configuration and a second configuration; and
an insert slidably disposed along the shaft of the implant guide,
wherein the insert inhibits the shaft from bending from the second
configuration to the first configuration.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the shaft of the implant guide
includes a first leg spaced from a second leg, wherein the insert
is slidably disposed between the first leg and the second leg.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the insert includes a first rail
slidably engaged with a slot extending along the first leg of the
shaft, and the insert includes a second rail slidably engaged with
a slot extending along the second leg of the shaft.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a curved
shaft portion having a curvature.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first configuration is a
configuration in which the shaft is straight, and the second
configuration is a configuration in which the shaft is curved.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first configuration is a
configuration in which the shaft is curved, and the second
configuration is a configuration in which the shaft is
straight.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the insert is a docking member
configured to assist in docking the implant guide to a head portion
of a vertebral anchor.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexibility characteristics
of the shaft include a plurality of slots formed in a portion of
the shaft.
9. A system for implantation of a spinal stabilization system
comprising: an implant guide including a handle and a shaft
extending from the handle, a distal end of the shaft configured for
engagement with a head portion of a vertebral anchor, the shaft
being flexible away from an equilibrium configuration; and an
insert slidably disposed along the shaft of the implant guide, the
insert including a curved shaft portion having a curvature; wherein
the curved shaft of the insert subjects the shaft of the implant
guide into a curved configuration away from the equilibrium
configuration.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the shaft of the implant guide
includes a first leg spaced from a second leg, wherein the insert
is slidably disposed between the first leg and the second leg.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the equilibrium configuration is
a configuration in which the shaft is straight.
12. A system for use in the installation of a spinal stabilization
system comprising: a vertebral anchor including a head portion and
a shaft portion, the head portion including a threaded opening
extending into the head portion from an upper end of the head
portion; an implant guide including a handle and a shaft extending
from the handle, a distal end of the shaft configured for
engagement with the head portion of the vertebral anchor; and a
docking member inserted along the shaft of the implant guide, a
distal end of the docking member including a post sized for
insertion into the threaded opening of the head portion of the
vertebral anchor; the shaft being slidable relative to the docking
member such that in a first configuration the distal end of the
shaft is disengaged from the head portion of the vertebral anchor
while the post of the docking member is positioned in the threaded
opening of the vertebral anchor, and in a second configuration the
distal end of the shaft is engaged with the head portion of the
vertebral anchor while the post of the docking member is positioned
in the threaded opening of the vertebral anchor.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the shaft includes a slot and
the docking member includes a rail slidably disposed in the slot of
the shaft.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the docking member includes a
slot and the shaft includes a rail slidably disposed in the slot of
the docking member.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the shaft includes a first leg
spaced from a second leg, wherein the docking member is disposed
between the first leg and the second leg.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first leg includes a first
slot and the second leg includes a second slot, and wherein the
docking member includes a first rail slidably disposed in the first
slot and a second rail slidably disposed in the second slot.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the distal end of the shaft
includes a first projection and a second projection, and the head
portion of the vertebral anchor includes a first opening and a
second opening; wherein in the second configuration the first
projection is positioned in the first opening and the second
projection is positioned in the second opening.
18. The system of claim 12, further including verification means
for verifying when the shaft is positioned in the second
configuration.
19. A method of engaging a vertebral anchor with an implant guide,
the method comprising: providing a docking member having a proximal
portion and a distal portion; engaging the distal portion of the
docking member with a head portion of a vertebral anchor implanted
into a bone of a spinal column; with the distal portion of the
docking member engaged with the head portion of a vertebral anchor,
sliding an implant guide along the docking member toward the head
portion of the vertebral anchor; engaging a distal end of the
implant guide with the head portion of the vertebral anchor while
the distal portion of the docking member remains engaged with the
head portion of the vertebral anchor; and disengaging the distal
portion of the docking member from the head portion of the
vertebral anchor once the distal end of the implant guide is
engaged with the head portion of the vertebral anchor.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein implant guide includes a handle
and a shaft extending from the handle, the shaft including a first
leg and a second leg; wherein the docking member is slidably
disposed between the first leg and the second leg of the shaft of
the implant guide.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the distal portion of the
docking member includes a post, wherein engaging the distal portion
of the docking member with the head portion of the vertebral anchor
includes inserting the post of the docking member into a threaded
opening of the head portion of the vertebral anchor.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The disclosure is directed to surgical methods and
associated installation systems for spinal stabilization. More
particularly, the disclosure is directed to a flexible guide and
one or more inserts that facilitate installation of a flexible
spinal stabilization system into a patient.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The spinal column of a patient includes a plurality of
vertebrae linked to one another by facet joints and an
intervertebral disc located between adjacent vertebrae. The facet
joints and intervertebral disc allow one vertebra to move relative
to an adjacent vertebra, providing the spinal column a range of
motion. Diseased, degenerated, damaged, or otherwise impaired facet
joints and/or intervertebral discs may cause the patient to
experience pain or discomfort and/or loss of motion, thus prompting
surgery to alleviate the pain and/or assist motion of the spinal
column.
[0003] Methods of treating spinal column disorders include
installing a spinal stabilization system to stabilize a segment of
the spinal column. One conventional spinal stabilization system
includes securing a rigid rod between two or more vertebrae with
pedicle screws or other vertebral anchors. Another technique
utilizes a less rigid connecting element to provide a more dynamic
stabilization of the affected segment of the spinal column. One
example of a dynamic stabilization system is the DYNESYS system
available from Zimmer Spine, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn. Such
dynamic stabilization systems may include a flexible, tubular
spacer positioned between pedicle screws installed between adjacent
vertebrae. The spacer is positioned between the pedicle screws and
a flexible cord is threaded through the spacer. The flexible cord
is secured to the heads of the pedicle screws by set screws,
thereby retaining the spacer between the pedicle screws while
cooperating with the spacer to permit mobility of the spine.
[0004] Some surgical situations may make installation of a spinal
stabilization system using known installation systems difficult
and/or impracticable in some circumstances. For instance, in a
surgical situation in which pedicle screws are anchored to adjacent
vertebrae in a converging orientation, it may be difficult to
implant a stabilization system between the converging pedicle
screws using known installation systems. Additionally and/or
alternatively, it may be desirable to facilitate docking of an
installation tool with a pedicle screw and/or make alterations to
an installation tool without undocking the tool from the pedicle
screw. Therefore, alternative systems and associated methods for
installing a vertebral stabilization system are desirable.
SUMMARY
[0005] The disclosure is directed to several alternative apparatus,
systems and methods for installation of a vertebral stabilization
system.
[0006] Accordingly, one illustrative embodiment is a system for
implanting a spinal stabilization system. The system includes an
implant guide and an insert. The implant guide includes a handle
and a shaft extending from the handle. The distal end of the shaft
is configured for engagement with a head portion of a vertebral
anchor. The shaft has flexibility characteristics allowing the
shaft to flexibly bend between a first configuration and a second
configuration. The insert is slidably disposed along the shaft of
the implant guide. The insert inhibits the shaft from bending from
the second configuration to the first configuration.
[0007] Another illustrative embodiment is a system for implantation
of a spinal stabilization system. The system includes an implant
guide and an insert. The implant guide includes a handle and a
shaft extending from the handle. The distal end of the shaft is
configured for engagement with a head portion of a vertebral
anchor. The shaft is flexible away from an equilibrium
configuration. The insert is slidably disposed along the shaft of
the implant guide. The insert includes a curved shaft portion
having a curvature. The curved shaft portion of the insert subjects
the shaft of the implant guide into a curved configuration away
from the equilibrium configuration.
[0008] Still another illustrative embodiment is a system for use in
the installation of a spinal stabilization system. The system
includes a vertebral anchor, an implant guide, and a docking
member. The vertebral anchor includes a head portion and a shaft
portion. The head portion includes a threaded opening extending
into the head portion from an upper end of the head portion. The
implant guide includes a handle and a shaft extending from the
handle. The distal end of the shaft is configured for engagement
with the head portion of the vertebral anchor. The docking member
is inserted along the shaft of the implant guide. A distal end of
the docking member includes a post sized for insertion into the
threaded opening of the head portion of the vertebral anchor. The
shaft is slidable relative to the docking member such that in a
first configuration the distal end of the shaft is disengaged from
the head portion of the vertebral anchor while the post of the
docking member is positioned in the threaded opening of the
vertebral anchor, and in a second configuration the distal end of
the shaft is engaged with the head portion of the vertebral anchor
while the post of the docking member is positioned in the threaded
opening of the vertebral anchor.
[0009] Yet another illustrative embodiment is a method of engaging
a vertebral anchor with an implant guide. The method comprises
providing a docking member having a proximal portion and a distal
portion. The distal portion of the docking member includes a post.
The post of the docking member is inserted into a threaded opening
of a head portion of a vertebral anchor implanted into a bone of a
spinal column. With the post inserted into the threaded opening, an
implant guide is slid along the docking member toward the head
portion of the vertebral anchor. The distal end of the implant
guide is engaged with the head portion of the vertebral anchor with
the post inserted into the threaded opening. The post of the
docking member is withdrawn from the threaded opening of the head
portion of the vertebral anchor once the distal end of the implant
guide is engaged with the head portion of the vertebral anchor.
[0010] The above summary of some example embodiments is not
intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every
implementation of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative implant
guide;
[0013] FIG. 1A is a side view of the implant guide of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a front view of the implant guide of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 1C is a back view of the implant guide of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative docking
member for use with the implant guide of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 2A is a side view of the docking member of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 2B is a front view of the docking member of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative
stabilization insert for use with the implant guide of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a side view of the stabilization insert of FIG.
3;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a front view of the stabilization insert of FIG.
3;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembly including the
guide of FIG. 1 with the docking member of FIG. 2 positioned
therewith;
[0023] FIG. 4A is a cross-section taken of the assembly of FIG. 4
along line 4-4;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembly including the
guide of FIG. 1 with the stabilization insert of FIG. 3 positioned
therewith;
[0025] FIG. 5A is a cross-section taken of the assembly of FIG. 5
along line 5-5;
[0026] FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate an exemplary method of using the
implant guide of FIG. 1 during an installation procedure with the
docking member of FIG. 2 and the stabilization insert of FIG.
3;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative implant
guide;
[0028] FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of the proximal portion of the
implant guide of FIG. 7;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative stabilization
insert for use with the implant guide of FIG. 7;
[0030] FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of the proximal portion of the
stabilization insert of FIG. 8;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the stabilization insert of
FIG. 8 inserted with the implant guide of FIG. 7;
[0032] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate the engagement of the
stabilization insert of FIG. 8 with the implant guide of FIG. 7;
and
[0033] FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate an exemplary method of installing a
spinal stabilization system with the implant guide of FIG. 1.
[0034] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects
of the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be
applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or
elsewhere in this specification.
[0036] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the
term "about", whether or not explicitly indicated. The term "about"
generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art
would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the
same function or result). In many instances, the term "about" may
be indicative as including numbers that are rounded to the nearest
significant figure.
[0037] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all
numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75,
3, 3.80, 4, and 5).
[0038] Although some suitable dimensions ranges and/or values
pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications
are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present
disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges and/or
values may deviate from those expressly disclosed.
[0039] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this
specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0040] The following detailed description should be read with
reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different
drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and the
drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative
embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. The illustrative embodiments depicted are intended only
as exemplary. Selected features of any illustrative embodiment may
be incorporated into an additional embodiment unless clearly stated
to the contrary.
[0041] Now referring to the drawings, an exemplary implant guide 10
for use in an installation procedure for installing a spinal
stabilization system is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 1C. The
implant guide 10 includes a handle 12 and a shaft 14 extending
distally from the handle 12. In some embodiments, the shaft 14 may
include a first leg 16 and a second leg 18. The first leg 16 may be
spaced from the second leg 18, providing a channel 20 between the
first leg 16 and the second leg 18. The channel 20 may extend from
a proximal portion of the shaft 14 to the distal end of the shaft
14, separating the first leg 16 and the second leg 18 at the distal
end of the shaft 14.
[0042] The distal end 26 of the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10
may be configured to engage with the head portion of a vertebral
anchor, such as the head portion of a pedicle screw. Some suitable
engagement configurations are shown and described in U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 11/539,287, 11/737,151, 11/743,481, and
12/025,984, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0043] As shown in the figures, the engagement configuration may
include a first engagement member, such as the first tang or
projection 22, extending from the distal end of the first leg 16
and/or a second engagement member, such as the second tang or
projection 24, extending from the distal end of the second leg 18.
As will be discussed further herein, the first and second tangs 22,
24 may be configured to engage with first and second engagement
portions of a vertebral anchor, such as grooves, channels, notches
or other openings in the head portion of a vertebral anchor.
[0044] The shaft 14 of the implant guide 10 may include one or more
engagement features which may interact with one or more
complementary engagement features of an insert configured to be
used with the implant guide 10 during a medical procedure. For
instance, the first leg 16 of the shaft 14 may include an
engagement feature which interacts with an engagement feature of an
insert which may be slidably disposed along the shaft 14 and/or the
second leg 18 of the shaft 14 may include an engagement feature
which interacts with an engagement feature of an insert which may
be slidably disposed along the shaft 14.
[0045] For instance, the first leg 16 of the shaft 14 may include a
first slot 30 (shown in FIG. 4A) extending from a proximal portion
of the shaft 14 toward a distal portion of the shaft 14. The second
leg 18 of the shaft 14 may include a second slot 32 extending from
a proximal portion of the shaft 14 toward a distal portion of the
shaft 14. In some embodiments, the first slot 30 and/or the second
slot 32 may be open at the proximal end of the slot 30, 32 to allow
insertion of a portion of another component, such as an engagement
feature of an insert into the slot 30, 32. In some embodiments, the
first slot 30 and/or the second slot 32 may be closed at the distal
end of the slot 30, 32 to provide a stop so as to prevent the
exiting of a portion of another component, such as an engagement
feature of an insert out the distal end of the slot 30, 32.
[0046] In some embodiments, the first and second slots 30, 32 may
have a T-shaped configuration, a trapezoidal configuration, or
other desired configuration preventing disengagement of a portion
of another component, such as an engagement feature of an insert,
in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the first and second slots 30, 32.
[0047] A portion of the length of the shaft 14 may include
flexibility characteristics 34 providing the shaft 14 with the
ability to flexibly bend from a first configuration to a second
configuration. For example, the shaft 14 may include a plurality of
cuts or slots 36 providing the shaft 14 with a degree of
flexibility. In some embodiments, the cuts 36 may be formed in the
shaft 14 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the
shaft 14. However, other arrangements and/or orientations of the
cuts 36 are contemplated to provide the shaft 14 with a desired
degree of flexibility. The cuts 36 may extend into a portion of the
first leg 16 and/or the second leg 18 of the shaft 14. In some
embodiments, the cuts 36 may extend into the legs 16, 18 of the
shaft 14 from the lower surface 38 toward the upper surface 40 of
the shaft 14. The cuts 36 may allow the shaft 14 to be flexibly
bent from a straight configuration to a curved configuration, from
a curved configuration to another curved configuration, or from a
curved configuration to a straight configuration.
[0048] The implant guide 10, or at least the flexible shaft portion
of the implant guide 10, may be formed of any desired material
which may independently and/or in conjunction with the cuts 36
provide the shaft 14 with a degree of bending flexibility. Some
materials include polymeric materials such as polypropylene,
polyethylene, polycarbonate, polycarbonate urethane (PCU),
silicone, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), copolymers, mixtures or
blends thereof, or another suitable material. Additional suitable
materials include biocompatible metals, such as stainless steel,
titanium, and alloys thereof, or other suitable metallic
materials.
[0049] An insert, in the form of a docking member 50 which may be
used in association with the implant guide 10 of FIG. 1 is
illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B. The docking member 50 may
include a handle 52 and a shaft 54 extending distally from the
handle 52. The shaft 54 may include a post 56 located at the distal
end 58 of the shaft 54. The post 56 may be a separate component
attached to the shaft 54, or the post 56 may be a unitary
continuation of the shaft 54. In some embodiments, the post 56 may
be a cylindrical member having a spherical distal end, as shown in
FIG. 2. In other embodiments, the post 56 may have a different
shape if desired.
[0050] The shaft 54 of the docking member 50 may include one or
more engagement features which may interact with one or more
complementary engagement features of the shaft 14 of the implant
guide 10. For instance, the shaft 54 of the docking member 50 may
include an engagement feature which interacts with an engagement
feature of the first leg 16 of the implant guide 10 and an
engagement feature which interacts with an engagement feature of
the second leg 18 of the implant guide 10. The interaction of the
complementary engagement features of the implant guide 10 and the
docking member 50 may allow relative movement between the docking
member 50 and the implant guide 10. For instance, the complementary
engagement features may allow sliding movement of the docking
member 50 relative to the implant guide 10.
[0051] For instance, the shaft 54 of the docking member 50 may
include a first rail 60 extending along a first side of the shaft
54 and/or a second rail 62 extending along a second side of the
shaft 54 opposite the first side. The first and second rails 60, 62
may extend continuously or intermittently along the shaft 54. The
first and second rails 60, 62 may have a cross-section which
complements the cross-section of the first and second slots 30, 32
of the implant guide 10. For example, in some embodiments the first
and second rails 60, 62 may have a T-shaped configuration, a
trapezoidal configuration, or other desired configuration
complementing the configuration of the first and second slots 30,
32. Such a configuration may prevent disengagement of the rails 60,
62 of the docking member 50 from the slots 30, 32 in a lateral
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first and
second rails 60, 62. For instance, the interaction of the rails 60,
62 with the slots 30, 32 may prevent the first and second legs 16,
18 of the implant guide 10 from splaying laterally outward during a
medical procedure.
[0052] The docking member 50, or portions thereof, may be formed of
any desired material including, but not limited to, those polymeric
and metallic materials discussed above regarding the implant guide
10. In some embodiments, the docking member 50, when inserted along
the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10, may inhibit the ability of
the shaft 14 to flexibly bend and/or may help retain the shaft 14
in a desired configuration as desired.
[0053] Another insert, in the form of a stabilizing insert 70 which
may be used in association with the implant guide 10 of FIG. 1 is
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B. The stabilizing insert 70 may
include a handle 72 and a shaft 74 extending distally from the
handle 72. In some embodiments, the shaft 74 may include a first
leg 76 and a second leg 78. The first leg 76 may be spaced from the
second leg 78, providing a channel 84 between the first leg 76 and
the second leg 78. The channel 84 may extend from a proximal
portion of the shaft 74 to the distal end of the shaft 74,
separating the first leg 76 and the second leg 78 at the distal end
of the shaft 74.
[0054] The shaft 74 of the stabilizing insert 70 may include one or
more engagement features which may interact with one or more
complementary engagement features of the shaft 14 of the implant
guide 10. For instance, the shaft 74 of the stabilizing insert 70
may include an engagement feature which interacts with an
engagement feature of the first leg 16 of the implant guide 10 and
an engagement feature which interacts with an engagement feature of
the second leg 18 of the implant guide 10. The interaction of the
complementary engagement features of the implant guide 10 and the
stabilizing insert 70 may allow relative movement between the
stabilizing insert 70 and the implant guide 10. For instance, the
complementary engagement features may allow sliding movement of the
stabilizing insert 70 relative to the implant guide 10.
[0055] For instance, the shaft 74 of the stabilizing insert 70 may
include a first rail 80 extending along a first side of the shaft
74 and/or a second rail 82 extending along a second side of the
shaft 74 opposite the first side. The first and second rails 80, 82
may extend continuously or intermittently along the shaft 74. The
first and second rails 80, 82 may have a cross-section which
complements the cross-section of the first and second slots 30, 32
of the implant guide 10. For example, in some embodiments the first
and second rails 80, 82 may have a T-shaped configuration, a
trapezoidal configuration, or other desired configuration
complementing the configuration of the first and second slots 30,
32. Such a configuration may prevent disengagement of the rails 80,
82 of the stabilizing insert 70 from the slots 30, 32 in a lateral
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first and
second rails 80, 82. For instance, the interaction of the rails 80,
82 with the slots 30, 32 may prevent the first and second legs 16,
18 of the implant guide 10 from splaying laterally outward during a
medical procedure.
[0056] In some embodiments, the shaft 74 of the stabilizing insert
70 may be a curved shaft having a desired curvature, while in other
embodiments the shaft 74 of the stabilizing insert 70 may be
straight. In some circumstances, it may be desirable to provide an
operator with a collection of stabilizing inserts 70 of different
configurations. For instance the collection could include a
stabilizing insert 70 with a straight shaft 74 and/or one or more,
or a plurality of stabilizing inserts 70 with curved shafts 74 of
various degrees of curvature.
[0057] The stabilizing insert 70, or portions thereof, may be
formed of any desired material including, but not limited to, those
polymeric and metallic materials discussed above regarding the
implant guide 10. In some embodiments, the stabilizing insert 70,
when inserted along the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10, may
inhibit the ability of the shaft 14 to flexibly bend and/or may
help retain the shaft 14 in a desired configuration as desired.
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates the docking member 50 inserted along the
shaft 14 of the implant guide 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the shaft 54
of the docking member 50 may be positioned in the channel 20
between the first leg 16 and the second leg 18 of the shaft 14 of
the implant guide 10. In some embodiments, the shaft 54 of the
docking member 50 may be slidably disposed in the channel 20 such
that the shaft 54 of the docking member 50 may slide proximally and
distally relative to the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10. The
docking member 50 may be slidably positioned along the shaft 14
such that at least a distal portion of the post 56 extends distally
of the distalmost portion of the implant guide 10, such as the
distal ends of the first and second tangs 22, 24. In some
embodiments, a surface 64, 65 of the docking member 50 may abut or
otherwise contact a surface 42, 43 of the implant guide 10 when the
docking member 50 is fully advanced along the shaft 14. The
interaction of the surface 64 and/or 65 of the docking member 50
and the surface 42 and/or 43 of the implant guide 10 may act as a
stop to prevent further distal advancement of the docking member 50
relative to the implant guide 10.
[0059] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken across the shaft 14
of the implant guide 10 with the shaft 54 of the docking member 50
inserted therewith. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first and second rails
60, 62 of the docking member 50 may be positioned in the first and
second slots 30, 32, respectively, when the docking member 50 is
inserted with the implant guide 10. In the illustrated embodiment,
the rails 60, 62 have a T-shape in which a narrower portion 66 of
the rails 60, 62 are positioned between a wider portion 68 of the
rails 60, 62 and the main body portion 55 of the shaft 54. It is
noted that in other embodiments the rails 60, 62 may have a
different configuration. For instance, in some embodiments the
rails 60, 62 may have a trapezoidal shape, an L-shape, or other
shape in which a narrower portion of the rails 60, 62 are
positioned between a wider portion of the rails 60, 62 and the main
body portion 55 of the shaft 54. The slots 30, 32 may be shaped so
as to have a complementary geometry as the rails 60, 62. In such
embodiments, the first and second rails 60, 62 may engage with
and/or interlock with the first and second slots 30, 32. It is
noted that in some embodiments, the rails 60, 62 may be reversed
with the slots 30, 32 such that the implant guide 10 includes the
rails 60, 62 and the docking member 50 includes the slots 30,
32.
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates the stabilizing insert 70 inserted along
the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the shaft
74 of the stabilizing insert 70 may be positioned in the channel 20
between the first leg 16 and the second leg 18 of the shaft 14 of
the implant guide 10. In some embodiments, the shaft 74 of the
stabilizing insert 70 may be slidably disposed in the channel 20
such that the shaft 74 of the stabilizing insert 70 may slide
proximally and distally relative to the shaft 14 of the implant
guide 10. In some embodiments, a surface 86 of the stabilizing
insert 70 may abut or otherwise contact a surface 42 of the implant
guide 10 when the stabilizing insert 70 is fully advanced along the
shaft 14. The interaction of the surface 86 of the stabilizing
insert 70 and the surface 42 of the implant guide 10 may act as a
stop to prevent further distal advancement of the stabilizing
insert 70 relative to the implant guide 10.
[0061] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the stabilizing insert 70 may
impart a curvature to the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10 when
inserted along the shaft 14. The curvature imparted on the shaft 14
may be reflective of the curvature of the shaft 74 of the
stabilizing inert 70. With the stabilizing insert 70 inserted along
the shaft 14, the stabilizing insert 70 may inhibit the shaft 14 of
the implant guide 10 from reverting back to a first configuration,
such as an equilibrium configuration, after being subjected to a
second configuration by the stabilizing insert 70. For instance,
the curved shaft 74 of the stabilizing insert 70 may place the
shaft 14 of the implant guide 10 into a desired curved
configuration, and thus inhibit the shaft 14 from returning to an
equilibrium configuration, such as a straight configuration. In
some embodiments, the equilibrium configuration of the shaft 14 may
be a curved configuration, thus the stabilizing insert 70 may
reshape the shaft 14 to a second configuration such as a straight
configuration or a different curved configuration. In embodiments
in which the shaft 74 of the stabilizing insert 70 is straight, the
stabilizing insert 70 may hold the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10
in a straight configuration, inhibiting the shaft 14 from being
bent away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft 14.
[0062] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken across the shaft 14
of the implant guide 10 with the shaft 74 of the stabilizing insert
70 inserted therewith. As shown in FIG. 5A, the first and second
rails 80, 82 of the stabilizing insert 70 may be positioned in the
first and second slots 30, 32, respectively, when the stabilizing
insert 70 is inserted with the implant guide 10. In the illustrated
embodiment, the rails 80, 82 have a T-shape in which a narrower
portion 96 of the rails 80, 82 are positioned between a wider
portion 98 of the rails 80, 82 and the main body portion 75 of the
shaft 74. It is noted that in other embodiments the rails 80, 82
may have a different configuration. For instance, in some
embodiments the rails 80, 82 may have a trapezoidal shape, an
L-shape, or other shape in which a narrower portion of the rails
80, 82 are positioned between a wider portion of the rails 80, 82
and the main body portion 75 of the shaft 74. The slots 30, 32 may
be shaped so as to have a complementary geometry as the rails 80,
82. In such embodiments, the first and second rails 80, 82 may
engage with and/or interlock with the first and second slots 30,
32. It is noted that in some embodiments, the rails 80, 82 may be
reversed with the slots 30, 32 such that the implant guide 10
includes the rails 80, 82 and the stabilizing insert 70 includes
the slots 30, 32.
[0063] FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate a method of using the implant guide
10 during an installation procedure with the docking member 50 and
the stabilizing insert 70. During a medical procedure, a vertebral
anchor 100 may be secured to a bone of a spinal column. In some
embodiments, the vertebral anchor 100 may be a pedicle screw, such
as a polyaxial or monoaxial pedicle screw, screwed into or
otherwise anchored to a pedicle region or other region of a
vertebra 2. The vertebral anchor 100 may include a head portion 102
and a shaft portion 104 extending from the head portion 102. The
shaft portion 104 may include helical threads 106 for screwing the
vertebral anchor 100 into a bone.
[0064] The vertebral anchor 100 may be a top-loading pedicle screw
in which the head portion 102 includes a saddle 120 configured to
receive an elongate member. For example, the saddle 120 may include
a first arm 116 and a second arm 118 extending from a base portion
122 of the saddle 120. The first arm 116 may be spaced away from
the second arm 118, defining a channel 128, such as a U-shaped
channel, extending through the head portion 102 from a first side
surface 124 to a second side surface 126 of the head portion
102.
[0065] The head portion 102 may include an opening 108, such as a
threaded opening, extending into the channel 128 from an upper
surface 110 of the head portion. In some embodiments, the opening
108 may have a central axis which is co-axial with the shaft 104 of
the vertebral anchor 100. The threaded opening 108 may be
configured to threadedly receive a threaded fastener (not shown),
such as a set screw to secure an elongate member in the channel 128
of the head portion 102.
[0066] The head portion 102 may also be configured to engage with
the distal end 26 of the insert guide 10. For instance, the head
portion 102 may include a first notch 112 and a second notch 114
shaped and sized to receive the first tang 22 and the second tang
24, respectively, of the implant guide 10. The first notch 112 may
be located in the first arm 116 of the saddle 120. The first notch
112 may extend from the upper surface 110 of the head portion 102
toward the shaft 104. The first notch 112 is shown as having a
trapezoidal shape with a wider portion of the first notch 112
closer to the central longitudinal axis of the vertebral anchor 100
than a narrower portion of the first notch 112. The second notch
114 may be located in the second arm 118 of portion 102 toward the
shaft 104. The second notch 114 is shown as having a trapezoidal
shape with a wider portion of the second notch 114 closer to the
central longitudinal axis of the vertebral anchor 100 than a
narrower portion of the second notch 114. The configuration of the
first and second notches 112, 114 and/or the tangs 22, 24 of the
insert guide 10 may prevent splaying outward of the first and
second legs 16, 18 during a medical procedure.
[0067] Other examples of possible arrangements for engaging the
distal end 26 of the insert guide 10 with the head portion 102 of
the vertebral anchor 100 are shown and described in U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 11/539,287, 11/737,151, 11/743,481, and
12/025,984, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0068] Also shown in FIG. 6A is the distal portion of the
installation assembly including the insert guide 10 and the docking
member 50 inserted along the shaft 14 of the insert guide 10 prior
to docking the insert guide 10 with the vertebral anchor 100. While
advancing the insert guide 10 and the docking member 50 to the
vertebral anchor 100, the docking member 50 may be advanced to its
distalmost extent relative to the insert guide 10 such that at
least a distal portion of the post 56 extends distally of the first
and second tangs 22, 24 of the insert guide 10. As shown in FIG.
6A, the first and second tangs 22, 24 of the insert guide 10 may
have a trapezoidal shape complementing the trapezoidal shape of the
first and second notches 112, 114 of the head portion of the
vertebral anchor 100.
[0069] During a procedure in which the insert guide 10 is docked or
engaged with the head portion 102 of the vertebral anchor 100, the
combination of the insert guide 10 and the docking member 50 may be
advanced distally toward the vertebral anchor 100. The post 56 of
the docking member 50 may be first inserted into the threaded
opening 108 of the head portion 102 of the vertebral anchor 100,
shown in FIG. 6B. With the post 56 filly inserted into the threaded
opening 108, the insert guide 10 may remain disengaged from the
vertebral anchor 100. In other words, with the post 56 fully
inserted into the threaded opening 108, the tangs 22, 24 of the
insert guide 10 may remain spaced away from the notches 112, 114 of
the head portion 102 of the vertebral anchor 100.
[0070] With the post 56 of the docking member 50 inserted into the
threaded opening 108, the insert guide 10 may be slid or translated
distally relative to the docking member 50 toward the head portion
102 of the vertebral anchor 100. As the implant guide 10 is moved
distally relative to the docking member 50, the first and second
tangs 22, 24 may enter the first and second notches 112, 114,
respectfully. The docking member 50, with its first and second
rails 60, 62 slidably engaged in the first and second slots 30, 32
of the implant guide 10, may prevent the first and second legs 16,
18 of the implant guide 10 from splaying outward, thus ensuring
alignment of the first and second tangs 22, 24 with the first and
second notches 112, 114, respectively.
[0071] The docking member 50 and the implant guide 10 may include
visual indicia that may be used to verify that the implant guide 10
is fully engaged with the vertebral anchor 100. For instance, the
docking member 50 may include a marking 132, such as a groove,
notch, line, dot, or other visual indicia. Additionally, the
implant guide 10 may include a marking 134, such as a groove,
notch, line, dot, or other visual indicia. The marking 132 on the
docking member 50 and the marking 134 on the implant guide 10 may
remain exterior of the patient and visible to the medical personnel
during the medical procedure. The medical personnel may confirm
that the implant guide 10 is fully engaged with the vertebral
anchor 100 by visually inspecting when the marking 134 on the
implant guide 10 is aligned with the marking 132 on the docking
member 50 as shown in FIG. 6C, or otherwise positioned in a
predetermined relationship.
[0072] In some embodiments, there may be an audible and/or
mechanical indication used to verify that the implant guide 10 is
fully engaged with the vertebral anchor 100. For instance, the
docking member 50 may include a detent interacting with a component
of the implant guide 10, or vise versa. Some embodiments may
include a ball detent in which a spherical ball interacts and
engages in a recess to provide a mechanical indication of when the
implant guide 10 is fully engaged with the vertebral anchor 100.
Other types of detent arrangements are also contemplated. In some
embodiments, the medical personnel may hear a click or other sound
to provide verification. In some embodiments, the implant guide 10
and/or the docking member 50 may include other interlocking and/or
engagement means providing an audible and/or mechanical indication
to verify that the implant guide 10 is fully engaged with the
vertebral anchor 100.
[0073] Once the implant guide 10 is fully engaged with the
vertebral anchor 100, the implant guide 10 may be held stationary
while the docking member 50 is withdrawn proximally from the
implant guide 10, leaving the implant guide 10 docked with the
vertebral anchor 100, shown in FIG. 6C. With the docking member 50
removed from the implant guide 10, the implant guide 10 may be
manipulated to perform one or more functions during the medical
procedure. For instance, a force may be applied to the implant
guide 10 to distract vertebrae and/or the implant guide 10 may be
used to guide one or more components of a vertebral stabilization
system toward the spinal column and into engagement with the
vertebral anchor 100.
[0074] In some circumstances, it may be desirable to inhibit the
shaft 14 of the implant guide 10 from flexibly bending, and/or it
may be desirable to instill a desired curvature to the shaft 14 of
the implant guide 10. As shown in FIG. 6E, with the implant guide
10 docked with the vertebral anchor 100, a stabilization insert 70
may be inserted along the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10. The
stabilization insert 70 may inhibit flexing of the shaft 14 of the
implant guide 10 and/or may subject the shaft 14 of the implant
guide 10 to a desired curvature, consequential of the curvature of
the shaft 74 of the stabilization insert 70.
[0075] It may be noted that one stabilization insert 70 may be
exchanged for another stabilization insert 70 without undocking the
implant guide 10 from the vertebral anchor 100. Thus, the shaft 14
of the implant guide 10 may be subjected to a first curvature
consequential of the curvature of the shaft 74 of a first
stabilization insert 70, and the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10
may be subsequently subjected to a second curvature consequential
of the curvature of the shaft 74 of a second stabilization insert
70. Furthermore, the implant guide 10 may be selectively inhibited
from bending by selectively inserting a stabilization insert 70
along the shaft 14 and/or selectively allowed to flexibly bend by
withdrawing a stabilization insert 70 from the shaft 14, as
desired.
[0076] An alternative implant guide 210 is shown in FIG. 7. The
implant guide 210 may be similar to the implant guide 10 of FIG. 1
with the exception of some notable differences, some of which are
described below. The implant guide 210 may include a handle 212 and
a shaft 214 extending distally from the handle 212. The shaft 214
may include a first leg 216 spaced from a second leg 218, defining
an elongate channel 220 therebetween. The channel 220 may extend
from a proximal portion of the shaft 214 to the distal end 226 of
the shaft 214. The implant guide 210 may include a first tang 222
extending distally from the first leg 216 and a second tang 224
extending distally from the second leg 218. The tangs 222, 224 may
be configured to engage with a head portion 102 of a vertebral
anchor 100. The first leg 216 may also include a first elongate
slot 230, and the second leg 218 may include a second elongate slot
232 similar to that described above regarding the implant guide 10.
The shaft 214 may include flexibility characteristics 234, such as
a plurality of cuts 236, formed along at least a portion of the
length of the shaft 214, providing the shaft 214 with a degree of
flexibility.
[0077] An alternative stabilization insert 270 is shown in FIG. 8.
The stabilization insert 270 may be similar to the stabilization
insert 70 of FIG. 3 with the exception of some notable differences,
some of which are described below. The stabilization insert 270 may
include a handle 272 and a shaft 274 extending from the handle 272.
The shaft 274 may include a first leg 276 spaced from a second leg
278, defining an elongate channel 284 therebetween. The channel 284
may extend from a proximal portion of the shaft 274 to the distal
end of the shaft 274. The shaft 274 may include a first rail 280
extending along the first leg 276 and a second rail 282 extending
along the second leg 278. The rails 280, 282 may be configured to
engage with the slots 230, 232 of the implant guide 210.
[0078] The proximal portion of the implant guide 210 may be
configured to interlock with a proximal portion of the
stabilization insert 270 when the stabilization insert 270 is
inserted along the shaft 214 of the implant guide 210. In some
embodiments the implant guide 210 may include one or more, or a
plurality of interlocking components interacting with one or more,
or a plurality of interlocking components of the stabilization
insert 270. FIGS. 7A and 8A are enlarged views illustrating an
exemplary configuration of the proximal portions of the implant
guide 210 and the stabilization insert 270, respectively. FIGS. 9A
and 9B, illustrate the interaction of the interlocking components
of the implant guide 210 with the interlocking components of the
stabilization insert 270 in an engaged and disengaged
configuration, respectively.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 7A, the proximal portion of the implant
guide 210 may include a first channel 240 defined in a wall of the
stabilization insert 270 and a second channel 242 defined in a wall
of the stabilization insert 270 opposite the first channel 240. The
first channel 240 may have an open proximal end and an end surface
246 opposite the open proximal end. The second channel 242 may have
an open proximal end and an end surface 248 opposite the open
proximal end. The first and second channels 240, 242 may
additionally include one or more, or a plurality of indents 244,
such as holes or the like.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 8A, the proximal portion of the
stabilization insert 270 may include a first tongue 290 and a
second tongue 292 attached to the shaft 274. A first end 291 of the
first tongue 290 may be attached to the shaft 274, while a second
end 295 of the first tongue 290 may be spaced from the shaft 274. A
first end 293 of the second tongue 292 may be attached to the shaft
274, while a second end 297 of the second tongue 292 may be spaced
from the shaft 274. The first and second tongues 290, 292 may be
deflected toward one another by pushing the second ends 295, 297
toward one another. The first tongue 290 may be sized and
configured to be slidably inserted into the first channel 240 of
the implant guide 210 and the second tongue 292 may be sized and
configured to be slidably inserted into the second channel 242 of
the implant guide 210. The first and second tongues 290, 292 may
include one or more, or a plurality of projections 294 configured
to mate with the indents 244 of the implant guide 210.
[0081] FIG. 9 illustrates the stabilization insert 270 inserted
along the shaft 214 of the implant guide 210. FIGS. 9A and 9B
illustrate the interaction of the interlocking portion of the
implant guide 210 with the interlocking portion of the
stabilization insert 270, in an engaged and disengaged
configuration, respectively. The shaft 274 of the stabilization
insert 270 may be inserted along the shaft 214 of the implant guide
210 between the first leg 216 and the second leg 218 such that the
first and second rails 280, 282 of the stabilization insert 270 are
slidably disposed in the first and second slots 230, 232 of the
implant guide 210. As the stabilization insert 270 is advanced
distally relative to the implant guide 210, the first tongue 290
may be advanced into the first channel 240 and the second tongue
292 may be advanced into the second channel 242. In the engaged
position shown in FIG. 9A, the projections 294 on the tongues 290,
292 may extend into the indents 244 of the channels 240, 242.
Relative movement between the stabilization insert 270 and the
implant guide 210 may be restrained when the projections 294 are
positioned in the indents 244.
[0082] In order to disengage the stabilization insert 270 from the
implant guide 210, and thus allow relative movement between the
stabilization insert 270 and the implant guide 210, the second ends
295, 297 of the tongues 290, 292 may be urged toward one another,
deflecting the tongues 290, 292, By deflecting the tongues 290,
292, the projections 294 are removed from the indents 244, as shown
in FIG. 9B. With the projections 294 removed from the indents 244,
the stabilization insert 270 may be withdrawn proximally relative
to the implant guide 210 in order to remove the stabilization
insert 270 from the implant guide 210.
[0083] It is noted that although this interlocking configuration
with the implant guide 210 has been illustrated in association with
the stabilization insert 270, such an interlocking configuration
may be used with another type of insert, such as the docking member
50 described above, adapted for use with the implant guide 210.
[0084] FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate an exemplary medical procedure of
installing a spinal stabilization system with the flexible implant
guide 10. Although the illustrated method utilizes the implant
guide 10, it is noted that the implant guide 210, with its
associated accessories, may be used in a similar fashion.
[0085] During the procedure, an incision 300 may be made to gain
access to the spinal column of the patient. In some embodiments, an
access cannula, retractor, or other device (not shown) may be
inserted into the incision 300 to maintain access to the vertebrae
2 during the medical procedure. In other embodiments, access to the
vertebrae 2 may be maintained directly through the incision. Having
gained access to the vertebrae 2 of the spinal column, a first
vertebral anchor 100a may be secured to a first vertebra 2a and a
second vertebral anchor 100b may be secured to a second vertebra
2b, such as an adjacent vertebra. For example, the vertebral
anchors 100, in the form of pedicle screws, may be screwed into the
pedicle region of the vertebrae 2, or other region of the vertebrae
2.
[0086] A first implant guide 310, which may be a rigid implant
guide or a flexible implant guide like the implant guide 10, may be
docked or engaged with the head portion 102 of the first vertebral
anchor 100a. Docking of the implant guide 310 to the first
vertebral anchor 100a may be accomplished using the docking
technique described above regarding FIGS. 6A-6C, or docking of the
implant guide 310 may be accomplished using another desired docking
technique.
[0087] A second implant guide 10 may be docked or engaged with the
head portion 102 of the second vertebral anchor 100b. Docking of
the flexible implant guide 10 to the second vertebral anchor 100b
may be accomplished using the docking technique described above
regarding FIGS. 6A-6C, or docking of the implant guide 10 may be
accomplished using another desired docking technique.
[0088] In some circumstances the vertebral anchors 100a, 100b may
be placed in a converging angular relationship. A converging
relationship of the vertebral anchors 100a, 100b may result in the
shaft 314 of the first implant guide 310 converging toward the
shaft 14 of the second implant guide 10 when the implant guides 10,
310 are docked with the vertebral anchors 100a, 100b. In some
situations in which the shaft 314 of the first implant guide 310 is
convergent toward the shaft 14 of the second implant guide 10, the
implant guide 10 may be flexed away from the first implant guide
310 (shown by arrow in FIG. 10B), providing more clearance between
the shaft 314 of the first implant guide 310 and the shaft 14 of
the second implant guide 10. This added clearance may facilitate
the insertion of one or more components of a vertebral
stabilization system 4 to the spinal column.
[0089] Additionally or alternatively, the implant guides 10, 310
may be used to distract the vertebrae 2 by applying a force to one
or both of the implant guides 10, 310. The implant guide 10 may
deflect, as shown in FIG. 10B when an applied force is applied to
the handle 12 of the implant guide 10. In some embodiments, the
implant guide 10 may be configured to withstand a predetermined
amount of distractive force before deflecting. Thus, the shaft 14
of the implant guide 10 may be configured to be a distraction
limiter, flexing once a threshold amount of distractive force is
attained, thereby limiting the amount of force transferred to the
vertebral anchor 100b by the implant guide 10.
[0090] In some embodiments, the stabilization insert 70 may be
inserted along the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10, stabilizing
the shaft 14 of the implant guide 10 in a singular configuration.
For instance, the stabilization insert 70 may retain the shaft 14
of the implant guide 10 in a curved configuration or in a straight
configuration, if desired. It is noted that at various times during
the medical procedure, the stabilization insert 70 may be withdrawn
and/or replaced with another stabilization insert, as desired, to
alter the shape and/or flexibility bestowed on the shaft 14.
[0091] A vertebral stabilization system 4 to be secured to the
vertebral anchors 100a, 100b may be introduced to the spinal column
with the implant guides 10, 310. In some embodiments, the vertebral
stabilization system 4 may include a first elongate member, which
is shown in the form of a spacer 6, and/or a second elongate
member, which is shown in the form of a flexible cord 8. The first
and/or second elongate member may be directly and/or indirectly
secured to the vertebral anchors 100a, 100b during the medical
procedure. For instance, the flexible cord 8 may be disposed
through an aperture of the spacer 6 exterior of the body of the
patient and then advanced to the vertebral anchors 100a, 100b. In
other embodiments, however, the flexible cord 8 may be disposed
through an aperture of the spacer 6 after the cord 8 has been
inserted into the incision 300 and/or secured to at least one of
the vertebral anchors 100.
[0092] FIG. 10B illustrates one possible way of inserting
components of the vertebral stabilization system 4 to the vertebral
anchors 100a, 100b. With the spacer 6 disposed on the cord 8, a
first portion of the cord 8 may be positioned in the channel 320 of
the shaft 314 of the first implant guide 310, and a second portion
of the cord 8 may be positioned in the channel 20 of the shaft 14
of the second implant guide 10. The channel 320 of the first
implant guide 310 may be aligned with and in communication with the
channel 128 in the head portion 102 of the first vertebral anchor
100a, and the channel 20 of the second implant guide 10 may be
aligned with and in communication with the channel 128 in the head
portion 102 of the second vertebral anchor 100b. The channels 20,
320 of the implant guides 10, 320 may help guide the cord 8 into
proper position in the channels 128 of the vertebral anchors 100a,
100b.
[0093] The spacer 6 may be positioned between the shaft 314 of the
first implant guide 310 and the shaft 14 of the second implant
guide 10. A pusher member 330, coupled to the spacer 6, may be used
to advance the vertebral stabilization system 4 to the vertebral
anchors 100a, 100b. The flexible nature of the implant guide 10 may
help guide the spacer 6 into proper alignment between the vertebral
anchors 100a, 100b. For instance, the shaft 14 of the implant guide
10 may be flexed away from the shaft 314 of the first implant guide
310 to allow the spacer 6 to be positioned between the shaft 314 of
the first implant guide 310 and the shaft 14 of the second implant
guide 10.
[0094] FIG. 10C illustrates the spacer 6 in proper alignment
between the head portions 102 of the vertebral anchors 100a, 100b,
and the flexible cord 8 extending through the channel 128 of the
head portions 102 of each of the vertebral anchors 100a, 100b, with
excess portions of the cord 8 extending external of the incision
300. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 10C, the spacer 6 may
provide some degree of distraction between the vertebrae 2 when
properly positioned between the vertebral anchors 100a, 100b.
[0095] A stabilization insert 70 may be inserted along the shaft 14
of the implant guide 10 to stabilize the shaft 14 to a desired
configuration, such as a straight configuration shown in FIG. 10C.
A threaded fastener 130, such as a set screw, may be advanced along
the shaft 14 through the channel 84 of the stabilization insert 70
toward the head portion 102 of the vertebral fastener 100b. A
driver 332 may be used to rotate the threaded fastener 130 in order
to screw the threaded fastener 130 into threaded engagement with
the threaded opening 108 of the vertebral anchor 100b, securing the
flexible cord 8, or other elongate member of the vertebral
stabilization system 4, to the head portion 102 of the vertebral
anchor 100b.
[0096] The cord 8 may then be tensioned to a desired amount of
tensile force between the first vertebral anchor 100a and the
second vertebral anchor 100b. For instance, a tensioning
instrument, such as a tensioning instrument shown and described in
U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/737,151 and 12/025,984, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, may be
used to apply a desired amount of tension to the cord 8. With the
cord 8 held in tension, another threaded fastener 130 may be
threadably engaged in the threaded opening 108 of the vertebral
anchor 100a to secure the flexible cord 8, or other elongate member
of the vertebral stabilization system 4, to the head portion 102 of
the vertebral anchor 100a.
[0097] Once the vertebral stabilization system 4 is secured to the
vertebral anchors 100a, 100b, the implant guides 10, 310 may be
undocked or disengaged from the heads 102 of the vertebral anchors
100a, 100b and removed from the patient as shown in FIG. 10D. The
excess lengths of the cord 8 may be trimmed and the incision 300
may be closed to complete the installation.
[0098] It is noted that variations of the above described surgical
technique for installing a vertebral stabilization system 4 may be
performed, as desired. For example, U.S. patent application Ser.
Nos. 11/539,287, 11/737,151, 11/743,481, and 12/025,984, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference,
demonstrate some surgical techniques for installing a vertebral
stabilization system which may be modified in view of the present
disclosure.
[0099] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present
invention may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the
specific embodiments described and contemplated herein.
Accordingly, departure in form and detail may be made without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as
described in the appended claims.
* * * * *